Perhaps the match-up most associated with Clinton football is the ever-loved Clinton vs. Nashoba game. This rivalry, older than the field the players play on, is soon to end.

The change in Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) rules has brought about the new “state playoff system” with an eight-game schedule. In none of these games does Clinton play its competitive neighbors.

In the new system, there are seven deciding games in each teams' schedule, after which the team either plays assigned teams, or plays in the play offs. In its schedule, Clinton plays neither of their two favored opponents — Nashoba or Hudson, which the team has played since 1909.

The classic rivalry will be greatly missed by both fans and players.

“It's our favorite game of the year,” said Matt Notaro, the Clinton Gael's running back and corner, about the Nashoba game. “It's just always extra intense because we know the other team personally, so it's really fun.”

The loss of the tradition is “too bad,” said Clinton Athletic Director Tony Gannon, “because it's such a classic rivalry between two neighboring schools that have played each other for the past 20 years, competitively. But it wouldn't make sense to play them anymore.”

Though the games will be missed, the spirit of the competition will carry on. Hopefully the new tournament focused system will bring out more competitiveness and spirit than before, Gannon said. This set up is a two-year “trial run” for now, but most people's hopes likely run along the lines of Gannon's. “Hopefully, in time, they'll work out the kinks so that we can play Hudson and Nashoba.”